BMS Intake rubbing issues
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 3
From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
BMS Intake rubbing issues
So I was doing an oil change for my c250 the other day and was going to clean the K&N air filter that came with the BMS Intake since it's been about 15,000 miles since I've cleaned it.
Upon doing so I saw that the bottom of the air filter was rubbing against some other part in the engine compartment causing the air filter to grind down and eventually create a HOLE in the air filter (see pics). I removed the BMS metal intake tubing to inspect to see if dirt entered the intake tube and saw that there was some specks of dirt that have accumulated.
So I decided to continue with my oil change and found that there were specks of grit/dirt in the oil filter when rubbing the oil between my hands, most likely caused by the air filter sucking in all the dirt from the tiny hole. Also on my oil drain pan there were some specks of grit also.
Anyone with a BMS Intake should check to see if your air filter is also rubbing to avoid any damage from dirt entering your engine. I've had the intake for 15,000 miles and who know how long I've been driving with a damaged air filter.
I did notice that when the engine is hot that the air filter vibrates vs when it's cold. BMS may need to create a braket to reduce the vibration. I could be wrong and maybe installed it incorrectly, but I'm hoping everyone can verify that this is the case. Thanks.
Edit: I also posted in sedan forums to see if users had same issues there: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post5555800
Upon doing so I saw that the bottom of the air filter was rubbing against some other part in the engine compartment causing the air filter to grind down and eventually create a HOLE in the air filter (see pics). I removed the BMS metal intake tubing to inspect to see if dirt entered the intake tube and saw that there was some specks of dirt that have accumulated.
So I decided to continue with my oil change and found that there were specks of grit/dirt in the oil filter when rubbing the oil between my hands, most likely caused by the air filter sucking in all the dirt from the tiny hole. Also on my oil drain pan there were some specks of grit also.
Anyone with a BMS Intake should check to see if your air filter is also rubbing to avoid any damage from dirt entering your engine. I've had the intake for 15,000 miles and who know how long I've been driving with a damaged air filter.
I did notice that when the engine is hot that the air filter vibrates vs when it's cold. BMS may need to create a braket to reduce the vibration. I could be wrong and maybe installed it incorrectly, but I'm hoping everyone can verify that this is the case. Thanks.
Edit: I also posted in sedan forums to see if users had same issues there: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post5555800
Last edited by Kevin82; Feb 23, 2013 at 03:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 3
From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
Seems like another user had the same rubbing issue in the sedan forums: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post5555800
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 9
When you set the filter before tightening the clamp just angle the filter a mm or two so it can't rub on anything. On the movement with the screw holding the bracket to the base of the airbox there should not be any movement. If there is perhaps you have installed the bracket wrong, etc.
If you need a replacement filter we have those for $40 shipped. We suggest cleaning or replacing them every 10-15k miles. If cleaning use a normal K&N cleaning kit.
If you need a replacement filter we have those for $40 shipped. We suggest cleaning or replacing them every 10-15k miles. If cleaning use a normal K&N cleaning kit.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
Likes: 84
From: GA
X3 M40i
I have rubbing issues too....
After reading this thread, I decided to take a look at my filter. I am also having rubbing issues however, I followed Terry's advice and moved the filter further away from the bottom of the Airbox where that hard metal/plastic square piece is rubbing the filter. I also added a 2in foam strip where the square metal piece is to prevent future rubbing. I have pics below of my filter too. I will chime back in after a few months to see if I am still rubbing. I will probably be replacing the filter anyway as I like to have a fresh filter. It would be nice to have a non-oiled filter option. I don't mind paying for a new filter every 10k-15k miles. 
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
Likes: 84
From: GA
X3 M40i
Oh forgot to mention, I put the stock airbox back and did about a half hour worth of driving. Car was not as responsive and felt like it needed me to put the BMS filter back on. I did and also took advantage of setting my JB Beta to 100%. Car is a lot more fun to drive. I also did the throttle reset.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 3
From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
Oh forgot to mention, I put the stock airbox back and did about a half hour worth of driving. Car was not as responsive and felt like it needed me to put the BMS filter back on. I did and also took advantage of setting my JB Beta to 100%. Car is a lot more fun to drive. I also did the throttle reset.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 8
From: Boston 'burbs
2018 E300 Lux, 2006 Corvette Z51, 2015 Mercedes ML350 (wife's)
Kevin82, thank you for pointing out this issue to us- I too am having the rubbing issue. Thankfully the intake has only been installed for about 1k miles but it still did a number on the filter. I readjusted the filter and crushed it a bit on the bottom to try and keep it from rubbing more. But now I will be checking it regularly.
The bottom line is that filter is too big for that space. Did you notice that when you adjust it upwards it now hits the engine cover? Also, it sucks that I have to crush some of it to keep it from rubbing, I'm sure that doesn't help airflow.
The bottom line is that filter is too big for that space. Did you notice that when you adjust it upwards it now hits the engine cover? Also, it sucks that I have to crush some of it to keep it from rubbing, I'm sure that doesn't help airflow.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 9
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
Likes: 84
From: GA
X3 M40i
PM me if you have other options :-)
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 9
Since the car does not have a MAF sensor I would not suggest a dry. But, if there is enough demand we could always custom do a batch of dry filters for it.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 9
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: USA
C Coupe
Did anyone successfully re-adjust the filter position as guided and solve the issue with the filter rubbing? Just wondering if I should bother readjusting it at all seeing as how some people did not have success with it.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Pasadena, CA
2012 C250 coupe
I'm new to the forums, but wanted to chime in on this for my first post. I checked my filter out yesterday (installed for around 1500 miles) and it was definitely rubbing.
I tried angling the filter itself but when I felt underneath there was still contact with the metal piece. I also tried angling the metal tube but because of the bracket you don't have much play there. So I ended up just angling the filter as much as I could and placing some adhesive foam on the metal piece where I could clearly see the contact point from the scratches.
I'll check it again in a month or so. If its still tearing up the filter I'll have to resort to pushing in the filter to get the needed clearance.
I tried angling the filter itself but when I felt underneath there was still contact with the metal piece. I also tried angling the metal tube but because of the bracket you don't have much play there. So I ended up just angling the filter as much as I could and placing some adhesive foam on the metal piece where I could clearly see the contact point from the scratches.
I'll check it again in a month or so. If its still tearing up the filter I'll have to resort to pushing in the filter to get the needed clearance.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 3
From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
I'm new to the forums, but wanted to chime in on this for my first post. I checked my filter out yesterday (installed for around 1500 miles) and it was definitely rubbing.
I tried angling the filter itself but when I felt underneath there was still contact with the metal piece. I also tried angling the metal tube but because of the bracket you don't have much play there. So I ended up just angling the filter as much as I could and placing some adhesive foam on the metal piece where I could clearly see the contact point from the scratches.
I'll check it again in a month or so. If its still tearing up the filter I'll have to resort to pushing in the filter to get the needed clearance.
I tried angling the filter itself but when I felt underneath there was still contact with the metal piece. I also tried angling the metal tube but because of the bracket you don't have much play there. So I ended up just angling the filter as much as I could and placing some adhesive foam on the metal piece where I could clearly see the contact point from the scratches.
I'll check it again in a month or so. If its still tearing up the filter I'll have to resort to pushing in the filter to get the needed clearance.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Forest hills NY
2006 audi a4
Just checked my BMS intake and it's rubbing too =(. I can see two small holes in the intake when passing it thru a light source. Put back my stock one while I decide what do with it.
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: USA
C Coupe
Too bad us C250 guys are the minority, or else I'm sure there could've been a compromise if this issue generates enough heat.
Now just how many more C250 owners are going to purchase this product not knowing the innate issues they're going to be facing...
Now just how many more C250 owners are going to purchase this product not knowing the innate issues they're going to be facing...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 238
Likes: 3
From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
I do not recommend anyone purchase or use the intake until a smaller compatible filter is found or some sort of mounting piece is created to stop the intake vibrating.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Shanghai, China
2012 C200 CGI
I have a sedan and posted this on the sedan section:
I checked mine today and same thing, rubbed through the filter. I have a different rub point as well, on the right hand side where the fins are in the bottom half of the filter box. It's rubbing there as well but not through yet.
the other rub point:
dust:
only been 3000km since install. Tried adjusting and rotating the angle but not much room to rotate. because of the engine cover.
SO, the possible solution i found:
ok so I did a bit of research and here's what I have. The specs for the filter provided my BMS is 76mm opening with 125mm top and bottom base, 165mm length. According to K&N filter size chart, this would work perfectly:
Filter model RU-5111
http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?prod=RU-5111
of course it won't look as nice and flush as the one BMS provides but it won't rub and become useless. I haven't tried it yet but technically speaking it should be the perfect size.
I checked mine today and same thing, rubbed through the filter. I have a different rub point as well, on the right hand side where the fins are in the bottom half of the filter box. It's rubbing there as well but not through yet.
the other rub point:
dust:
only been 3000km since install. Tried adjusting and rotating the angle but not much room to rotate. because of the engine cover.
SO, the possible solution i found:
ok so I did a bit of research and here's what I have. The specs for the filter provided my BMS is 76mm opening with 125mm top and bottom base, 165mm length. According to K&N filter size chart, this would work perfectly:
Filter model RU-5111
http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?prod=RU-5111
of course it won't look as nice and flush as the one BMS provides but it won't rub and become useless. I haven't tried it yet but technically speaking it should be the perfect size.
